Met Police detectives found that the group was involved in forcing vulnerable adults into forced labour, domestic servitude and sex work from their base in Durants Road

From left; Jiri Cernohous, Martin Slovjak and Zdnek Drevenak (credit Met Police)

Three men have been sentenced to a total of 26 years in prison for their involvement in human trafficking, forced labour and money laundering from their base in Ponders End.

On Friday (4th) at Southwark Crown Court Zdenek Drevenak, aged 38 and of Crane Street in Huntingdon, was sentenced to 13 years imprisonment; Jiri Cernohous, aged 49 and of Spenser Road in Bedford, was sentenced to nine years; and Martin Slovjak, aged 46 and of Cambridge Road in Croxton, was sentenced to four years.

It came following a Metropolitan Police investigation begun in January 2019, designed to uncover the exploitation of vulnerable men and women dating back to 2012. The information received from Czech police indicated the involvement of a group suspected of working together in London, Cambridge and Bedford. This group targeted vulnerable individuals from the Czech Republic, exploiting them for financial gains. 

The court heard how they made up to £400,000 per year from their illegal activity. 

Met officers who were investigating reviewed 1,505 hours of CCTV footage from a house in Durants Road to gather evidence as part of an intelligence-led operation.  

Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy said:  ““Modern slavery offenders are cruel and seek to benefit from people who often have hopes and dreams for a better life, forcing them into bleak conditions and taking advantage of them.  

“By raising awareness, supporting victims and holding these criminals accountable, we can work towards eradicating modern slavery and human trafficking from our communities.” 

The investigation team found that the group was involved in forcing vulnerable adults into forced labour, domestic servitude and sex work.  

Promising jobs and accommodation in the UK, the group exploited their connections to entice victims who were transported via coach, aeroplane and car and taken to Durants Road. Once there some victims were made to work at fast-food chains in Caxton, Cambridgeshire, or a pita bread bakery in Hoddesdon and Tottenham. 

The victims, who couldn’t speak English, were deceived into signing contracts that allowed their hard-earned wages to go into the defendants’ bank accounts. This helped the defendants avoid following labour laws by making the victims work long hours of ten to twelve hours a day without any breaks.

Even though the victims were supposed to earn £300 per week, they only received a small amount between £10-50 as pocket money. On top of this, the victims were charged £150 per week for rent. 

As part of the operation, Met detectives safeguarded twelve victims and worked with Justice and Care and other partners to offer them support.  

Debi Lloyd, head of UK counter trafficking operation at Justice and Care said: “This has been a long running and complex case and it has been our privilege to support the survivors. 

“These men and women faced horrific exploitation that no human being should ever be put through, and the courage they have shown throughout the investigation amid incredibly difficult circumstances has been astounding. 

“We also applaud the tireless work of the police involved in this case. This sentencing shows how our navigators are essential in empowering survivors throughout the criminal justice process and enabling investigation teams to build strong cases”. 

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